The Rise of “Task Scams” and Instagram Follower Farms
February 2026 has seen a surge in reports of individuals being added to WhatsApp groups and offered small sums of money – around 10 euros – in exchange for following Instagram accounts. This seemingly harmless proposition is, in fact, a growing trend of “task scams” designed to exploit users and potentially lead to larger financial losses.
These scams, often orchestrated by individuals identifying themselves as “Emma Robert” or “Solène Bourdon,” lure victims with the promise of straightforward money. The initial task involves simply following and liking Instagram accounts, but quickly escalates into a cycle of demands for further investment, as reported by France Bleu radio.
How the Scams Operate
The core of the scam revolves around artificially inflating the follower counts of Instagram accounts. Scammers add victims to WhatsApp groups without their consent, presenting the opportunity as a way to “help influencers develop their accounts.” The initial payment acts as bait, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
Red flags include phone numbers with country codes originating from Bangladesh and Nigeria. Scammers often leverage fabricated testimonials, like a purported 10-euro payment screenshot, to build trust. A key tactic involves creating a sense of urgency and encouraging victims to reinvest their earnings for higher returns – a classic hallmark of Ponzi schemes.
The Dangers of Engagement Farms
The demand for fake followers, likes, and engagement is driven by the desire to appear popular and influential on social media. This practice, known as using an “engagement farm,” can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses.
Instagram actively combats fake engagement, and accounts found to be using these services risk suspension or permanent banishment. Artificially inflated metrics provide a distorted view of an account’s true reach and impact, misleading potential customers and partners.
Protecting Yourself from Task Scams
Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr warns that these scams can quickly spiral into significant financial losses. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Be wary of unsolicited offers: If someone contacts you offering money for simple tasks, especially through WhatsApp or other messaging apps, be extremely cautious.
- Verify contact information: Pay attention to the origin of phone numbers. Country codes from countries known for scam activity should raise immediate suspicion.
- Don’t invest to earn more: If you’re asked to send money to increase your earnings, it’s a clear sign of a scam.
- Report suspicious activity: Report the scam to the authorities and to the platform where you encountered it (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram).
The Role of Instagram and Social Media Platforms
Instagram, as highlighted by web search results, is a popular platform for influencers and businesses. However, its popularity also makes it a target for scammers. The platform is continually working to detect and remove fake accounts and engagement, but it’s a constant battle.
Users can also play a role by reporting suspicious accounts and activity. Instagram’s help center provides resources on identifying and reporting scams.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve been a victim of a task scam, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
- File a police report: Report the incident to your local police department or gendarmerie.
- Contact your bank: If you’ve shared any financial information, contact your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and prevent further losses.
- Report to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr: Report the scam to the French national cybersecurity agency.
FAQ
- What is a task scam?
- A task scam involves offering small amounts of money for completing simple tasks, often related to social media engagement, with the intention of defrauding victims.
- How can I identify a task scam?
- Gaze for unsolicited offers, requests for upfront payments, and suspicious contact information (e.g., unusual phone number country codes).
- What should I do if I’ve been contacted by a scammer?
- Do not engage with the scammer, block their contact information, and report the incident to the authorities.
Are you a victim of a scam, or have you spotted false information? You can alert us by sending an email to [email protected]
